SAA would like to wish all our subscribers a Happy New Year! And what a year this promises to be, with the world landing on our doorsteps for the much anticipated 2010 FIFA World CupTM. With more flights and a wider network than any other local carrier, we look forward to what will probably be our busiest year ever. Why not start the year on a good note and plan ahead, booking your flights well in advance? Did you know that if you book early, our Saver option often proves to be the most affordable flight, with the added benefit of an all inclusive ticket cost.

Heres to a prosperous year for all South Africans!

Destination Spotlight of the Month

The long-lasting impression most visitors leave Brazil with is of carefree, colourful people dancing and celebrating in the street parades at Carnaval, and of a passion for life and exuberance of spirit that charms visitors from around the world. Tourists descending on the country's fabulous cities, such as hedonistic Rio de Janeiro, can enjoy the five-star hotels, shopping malls, beautiful beaches, sunny skies and inspirational restaurants without really having to confront the hundreds of shantytowns (favelas) where the poorest of the poor eke out a living in the shadows of the skyscrapers.

Did you know that flysaa.com is packed with great functionality that allows you, the traveller, to become your own travel agent? Each month, this section will highlight one of the many online tools available.

Our Flight Status information is now available at your fingertips. This means you can spend less time thinking about your flight, so there's more time for business. Just key in the flight number you are booked on and the date and we will update you on the latest status of your flight. You can search for information of your flight by Arrivals or by Departures or by Airport or by Route. This is just one more way in which we try to make your flying experience a complete joy.

You can also receive instant alerts on your mobile on m.flysaa.com

To utilise this tool, visit www.flysaa.com and navigate to 'Before You Fly' >> Flight Status.

For more great online tools, visit Manage Reservations section under the "Before you fly" tab.

Partners of the month

Avis
Looking for a total transport solution?

Avis is a truly South African company providing customers and corporate clients with a total transport solution to meet your every need. At Avis people will always be more important than cars and we will continue to try harder in every way to make your Avis experience a memorable one. Avis is proud to be in partnership with South African Airways to ensure that the best car rental rates are made available to you. Remember to book your car rental at the same time as booking your flight to make use of this wonderful offer. Avis. We try harder.

All fares quoted when booking flight tickets through South African Airways (SAA) website, www.flysaa.com include the cost of tax and surcharges

This new development was implemented to ensure ticket prices were transparent and complied with international Consumer Protection Acts and Laws which require the travel industry to include taxes and surcharges in the prices quoted for services. www.flysaa.com customers can see at a glance what a one-way or return ticket will cost at first glance.

The cost includes in the all inclusive ticket prices are:

Airport tax

Security surcharge

Destination airport tax

Passenger surcharge

Airport tax due at the transfer or stopover airport (if applicable)

Fuel surcharge

VAT (if applicable)

While the fare quoted includes all taxes and surcharges, the customer is also able to view a description and breakdown of these before confirming the booking.

There are certain costs which will not be included in the price quoted as customers have control over these:

Reservation costs this amount varies according to the point of sale (e.g. flysaa.com)

Paper ticket surcharge if the customer requests a paper ticket they will be liable for this cost

Credit card surcharge some banks require this surcharge from clients for tickets purchased with a credit
card

Local departure tax (if applicable) this amount depends on the specific destination and is required on
departure

Collection of a ticket from a city or airport office a service fee is applicable when opting to pay later when
booking via flysaa.com